U.S. Geological Survey Manual

U.S. Geological Survey Instructional MemorandumNo. OFM 94-02

Date: February 28, 1994

Subject: American Express Government Charge Card Program

Reference: 340.18

This Instructional Memorandum establishes the policies and procedures for the
American Express Government Charge Card and the Automated Teller Machine
(ATM) Program. Appendix A contains a description of the traveler's rights
and obligations under the Government charge card program. A list of the ATM
networks is provided in Appendix B. Appendix C contains steps to facilitate
reimbursement of travel vouchers. Figure 1 presents instructions for
completing an application, and Figure 2 is an application package that may be
reproduced and used by employees requesting a charge card. Figure 3, Form 9-3008, Advance Delinquency Certification, should be attached to the SF-1038,
Advance of Funds, when a traveler is requesting an advance.

A full cost travel advance will not be issued for travel performed after
employees have been offered the charge card, whether they participate or not.
Cash advances will be limited to the expected out-of-pocket expenses (i.e.,
the meal and incidental expense allowance for CONUS travel, or 50 percent of
the per diem rate for travel outside CONUS; plus tolls, parking, taxi, and
other expenses not customarily charged). Exceptions will be made for
employees who will be traveling in remote areas where the American Express
charge card is not accepted. In this instance a full advance will be
authorized, provided that the request for advance of funds states that the
American Express card is not accepted in the area of temporary duty.

This IM is canceled upon incorporation in the Survey Manual.

Attachments

Appendix A

Part 340, Chapter 18

DESCRIPTION OF EMPLOYEE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

CONTRACTOR-ISSUED CHARGE CARDS

Use of the American Express Card

Employees who participate in the Government charge card program are to use
their cards to pay for major expenses connected with official Government
travel, such as lodging, meals, and automobile rentals. Although the
preferred method to purchase common carrier passenger tickets is through the
Government Transportation Account central account it is also permissable to
use the individual charge card when appropriate.

Conditions for Cardholders Electing to Receive Travel Advances in Cash
Instead of Using the Card

Individuals to whom a Government charge card has been issued may not elect to
receive a full trip cost travel advance instead of using the card. A small
cash advance may be requested to cover incidental travel expenses which are
normally not purchased with a charge card (i.e., ground transportation,
parking, laundry fees, official telephone calls, tips, and light meals).
While this type of advance is not required, it is departmental policy that it
will be granted when a reasonable amount is requested. However, travel
advances will not be granted for amounts less than $50. Full travel advances
will continue to be issued to cardholders traveling to areas where the
acceptance of the charge card is limited or for travel where the use of the
charge card is impractical.

Restrictions on the Use of American Express Government Cards

Employees may not use an American Express card to pay for any personal
expenses, or for any other purpose that is not related to official Government
business. Expenses associated with official travel which exceed the amount
that can be reimbursed may be charged to the card. Extra meals,
entertainment, and car rental not included on the travel authorization are
examples of charges that may be made against the card but may not be
reimbursable to the traveler. Cardholders are responsible for payment of all
charges incurred.

Billing Procedures to Cardholders

A separate account will be established in the name of each individual
Government cardholder. Each month, the cardholder will receive a statement
directly from American Express. The billed amount will be due upon receipt;
the billing cycle ends on the 29th day of each month. This is a charge card
program and not a credit card program with an extended payment plan;
therefore, installment payments are not authorized. The cardholders are
liable for all charges, regardless of whether or not they exceed the entitled
reimbursement amount. With their card, employees will receive a detailed
statement of billing and paying procedures, as well as instructions on how to
request billing adjustments and corrections. Disputed charges or other
billing problems should be reported to American Express by calling toll-free
on 1-800-492-4922, or calling collect on (602) 492-4922. Any billing
problems not resolved by American Express within 60 days should be reported
to the Bureau Coordinator, Office of Financial Management (OFM).

Employees Will be Reimbursed in Time to Pay the American Express Bill

If the traveler is conscientious about filing travel reimbursement vouchers
promptly, reimbursement for allowable expenses should be received well before
the payment is due to American Express. Employees should submit travel
reimbursement vouchers within 5 working days after completion of their travel
or after the end of the month, if vouchers are submitted on a monthly basis.
Office approving officials must submit the voucher to the appropriate payment
office within 3 working days after receipt. The requirements to attach
supporting documentation to the reimbursement voucher is unchanged by this
program. Appendix C lists the steps the traveler should take if
reimbursement does not arrive in time to pay the American Express bill.

Unused Airline Tickets (Complete/Partial)

When an airline ticket has been charged on the centrally billed account, the
employee should return the unused portion to administrative personnel. After
submission of the coupon and a completed Redemption of Unused Tickets
(SF-1170) to the TMC or airline representative, administrative personnel will
receive a credit card refund notice. This receipt must be retained until the
appropriate credit appears on a subsequent American Express statement. The
employee should not submit their unused tickets with their claim for travel
reimbursement.

When an airline ticket has been charged on an individual's Government charge
card, the unused portion should be returned to the Travel Management Center
(TMC) or airline representative by the employee and a credit card refund
notice should be obtained. This receipt must be retained until appropriate
credit appears on the individual's American Express statement. Employees
should not submit their unused tickets with their travel reimbursement
claims.

Lost/Stolen Airline Tickets

When an airline ticket has been charged on the centrally billed account, the
employee must report the lost ticket and obtain a Lost Ticket Application
through an airline representative or TMC. The application will be completed
and submitted to the Administrative personnel, who will then forward the
application to the airline and send a photocopy of the application to
American Express. A photocopy of the application must be retained until the
appropriate credit appears on a subsequent American Express statement. Do
not attach the Lost Ticket Application to the claim for travel reimbursement.

When an airline ticket has been charged on an individual's Government charge
card, the employee must report the lost ticket and obtain a Lost Ticket
Application through an airline representative or TMC. The application is
filed with the airline and a photocopy of the application must be sent to
American Express. A photocopy of the application must be retained until
appropriate credit appears on the individual's American Express statement.
Do not attach the Lost Ticket Application to the claim for travel
reimbursement.

Credit Given for Unused or Lost Centrally Billed Tickets

The credit should appear on either the individual's statement or the
centrally billed account statement for an unused ticket within 3-4 weeks. If
it does not appear for more than two billing cycles, please notify American
Express at 1-800-492-4990.

Credit for a lost ticket will take approximately 180 days depending on the
airline. When the ticket appears as unused the credit will be processed
within 2 weeks. Processing time of lost tickets for international travel
will take longer.

Disposal of Charge Cards when Employees Leave or Transfer

If an employee leaves Government service or transfers to another Government
agency, the card must be cut in half and returned to OFM for cancellation.
The bureau clearance process, Form 9-090, includes a requirement that the
employee return the charge card.

Delinquency/Suspension/Cancellation

An account is considered delinquent when any undisputed amounts are included
in the unpaid "Previous Balance" of the monthly statement. Once undisputed
amounts have been included within an unpaid "Previous Balance" a second time,
they will be considered seriously delinquent 60 calendar days from the
billing date. This may result in suspension of card privileges. If an
undisputed amount is not paid within 120 calendar days of the date of the
first billing statement on which the charge appears, the contractor will
notify the cardholder and the Bureau Coordinator of its intent to cancel.
Within 10 working days after transmitting such notice, the contractor may
cancel the account without further notification unless the Bureau Coordinator
informs the contractor of extenuating circumstances for which the account
should not be canceled. If the card privileges are canceled, the contractor
may provide this information to credit bureaus.

Card Acceptance Form

All cardholders must complete and return the acceptance form, or all travel
services will be deactivated.

Government Charge Card Account Renewal

American Express will submit a list of names of all expiring accounts to the
Bureau Coordinator at least 90 days before the expiration date of an
individual's card. Within 30 days, the Bureau Coordinator will review and
approve the renewal report and submit to American Express, in writing, a list
of those cards not to be renewed. American Express will then mail the new
cards to renewing cardholders at least 30 days prior to the expiration date
of the existing cards.

Renewed cards issued will remain in an inactive status until positive
verification of card receipt. Cardholders will be advised to call the Card
Activation toll-free number to validate receipt.

Specific Features and Protection Available to American Express Government
Cardholders

1. Under the terms of the GSA contract American Express may NOT:

Establish preset expenditure limits.

Conduct credit checks on employees designated to receive
Government cards before the card is issued. However,
credit inquiries may be made after the card is issued.

Sell or otherwise provide employees' names or
addresses to other commercial interests.

Charge membership, interest, or late payment fees.

Include commercial advertisements or other forms of
solicitation with monthly billing statements.

Issue or cancel employee cards without the
concurrence of authorized employing agency officials.

Hold an employee or the agency liable for any charges
made with lost or stolen cards, provided the employee
notifies American Express promptly upon discovering
that his or her card has been lost or stolen.

2. As an American Express Government cardholder, the employee
will receive, either with the card or the first billing
statement, a brochure that describes various card features and
uses. Major features are briefly summarized below:

$200,000 portal-to-portal travel accident insurance
and $1,250 of carry on baggage insurance are provided
free of charge to the employee when common carrier
tickets are charged to the American Express card;
additionally $500 checked baggage insurance.

24 Customer Service.

Worldwide Card Acceptance: 3,500,000 establishments.

Emergency personal check cashing privileges at a
Network of over 1,700 Travel Service locations
worldwide for up to $1,000 every 7-day period in the
United States (U.S.) or every 21-day period outside
the U.S., subject to cash availability and local
regulations.

Emergency card replacements within 24 hours in the
U.S., and within 48 hours outside the U.S.

Assured Reservations.

Detailed Billing.

Worldwide Traveler Support:

Global Assistance.

Network of 1,700 Offices.

Multi-Currency Travelers Cheques.

No pre-card fee.

No pre-set spending limits.

Security Provided for the Charge Card

The charge card will be mailed to the employee's home or office address, and
the employee will be responsible for the security of the card. This means
that the cardholder should give the American Express card the same level of
reasonable protection afforded other personal charge cards. The card should
not be stored or kept by an administrative or executive officer or supervisor
for the employee. Cardholders should exercise caution and care in giving the
card or card number to another employee to make travel arrangements on their
behalf or when giving a signature for charge authorization against the card.

How to Report Lost or Stolen Cards

The cardholder should report lost or stolen cards immediately to the American
Express Assistance Center at one of the following numbers:

The 24-hour toll-free number 1-800-492-4922

Overseas, call collect (602) 492-4922

Emergency card replacement will be arranged upon notification, usually by the next business day.

Automated Teller Machine Travel Advance Program

This program offers travelers a convenient means of obtaining cash for
official travel. Through this program, employees can use the American
Express card to obtain travel advances from ATM networks nationwide. By
using the American Express ATM card rather than Imprest Fund or Treasury
check advances, the traveler (1) eliminates the need to carry large amounts
of cash; (2) has 24-hour access to cash in most cities (1-800-CASH-NOW); (3)
does not need to use personal funds if the travel assignment is extended; (4)
receives immediate response to an advance request; and (5) can make
withdrawals conveniently at the duty station, TDY destination or enroute
(e.g., at an airport).

The travel authorization must state the amount of travel advance allowed.
The traveler will not be required to complete a separate SF-1038, Advance of
Funds Application and Account. American Express will bill the cardholder
directly for the amount of the advance on the monthly statement. The bill
will include a transaction fee (currently 2.75 percent of the amount of cash
withdrawn) which is claimed on the employee's travel voucher. Procedures for
travel authorizations and travel vouchers otherwise remain the same.
Participants must be USGS employees and must have a Government issued American Express
charge card. They will need to complete the Government Card Application and
Agreement and return it to the following address:

U.S. Geological Survey

Mail Stop 270, Travel Section

12201 Sunrise Valley Drive

Reston, VA 22092

Within 15 days the cardholder will receive a Personal Identification Number
(PIN) at their address. The PIN will enable the employee to use the existing
American Express charge card to obtain travel advances.

The ATM is to serve as an optional method of advancing cash to cover travel
expenses that cannot be charged. American Express ATM privileges are to be
used only for authorized official U.S. Government travel purposes.

Transactions are limited to five per day, $500 per 24-hour period, $1,000 in
a 7-day period, and three invalid PIN entries per day. Additional limits may
be imposed by the individual ATM used.

American Express has total responsibility for collecting amounts advanced.
Also, the entire card balance will be due from the card holder upon receipt
of the billing statement. If the card balance is 60 days past due, cash
withdrawal privileges will be automatically suspended.

Where Cardholders May Obtain Answers to Additional Questions

Any questions related to the employee's account may be referred to American
Express Assistance Services:

Government issued charge card:

U.S. 1-800-492-4922

Outside the U.S. Collect (602) 492-4922

Business Travel Accident Insurance 1-800-538-4567

Baggage Insurance Plan 1-800-645-9700

ATM:

U.S. 1-800-CASH-NOW

Outside of the U.S. Collect-(904) 565-7875

Questions concerning bureau travel policies should be referred to the Bureau
Coordinator, OFM, on (703) 648-7687.

Appendix B

Part 340, Chapter 18

ATM NETWORKS ACCEPTING THE AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDS

$AM (Shoppers Automatic Money)

Armed Forces Financial Network

Bank One (in Arizona)

Bank South

Bank of America/Versateller

Bay Banks

Cash Points

Cashere

Casino Cash

ChecoKard

Chevy Chase

CIRRUS*

Citizens Bank of Maryland

Citizen and Peoples National Bank

Comericard

Crestar

Dominion Bank

Express Teller

First Citizens Bank (SC)

First American Bank

Gulfnet

Handibank

Hawaii

Honor

Instabank

Instant Teller

Instant Cash

Inteller

Internet/Most (Contracts are with Individual Banks)

Jeanie

KETS

MAC

Magic Line

Mellon Bank/Cashstream

Meridian Bank

Minibank

Money Quik

Money Exchange

Money Mover

Money Center

Money Maker

Most*

MPACT

National Bank of Alaska

NYCE

NYCE/Cashers

Plus*

Presto

Pulse

Quantum

Riggs

Rocky Mountain BankCard

Shawmut Bank

Shazam

Star

Sun Trust

T24

Tellerific

The Exchange

Transact

TYME is Money

ULTRA

Universal Money

Via

Wells Fargo

Xpress 24

Yes

*If the American Express logo is not displayed, then the ATM cannot be used.

Appendix C

Part 340, Chapter 18

STEPS TO FACILITATE REIMBURSEMENT

1. Travelers should submit their travel vouchers within 5 working days after
completion of travel or, if in an extended travel status, no less than every
30 days.

2. The approving official should submit the voucher to OFM no later than 3
working days after receipt.

3. OFM will make every effort to process the voucher within 15 calendar days
after receipt within OFM.

4. The traveler should call the Travel Section, OFM, if payment has not been
received within 30 calendar days after the voucher has been submitted or 15
days following the due date on the American Express statement containing the
charges, whichever is sooner. The purpose for calling is to determine the
cause of the delay, and to obtain an estimate of when the voucher will be
paid. The employee should notify American Express of the action taken by
calling, toll-free, 1-800-492-4922.

5. If the reimbursement voucher has not been paid by the second American
Express billing, the traveler should immediately call the Bureau Coordinator
on (703) 648-7687 to request assistance in obtaining reimbursement.

Figure 1

Part 340, Chapter 18

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF THE

GOVERNMENT CHARGE CARD APPLICATION

The attached American Express Government Charge Card Program Employee Card
Account Application must be completed by each designated employee who elects
to participate in the program.

The following data must be entered on the application by the employee
(applicant):

Name (First, Middle, Last)

Social Security Number

Agency/Organization

Title/Rank

Employee's Mother's Maiden Name (for security purposes)

Home Address (street, city, state, and ZIP code)

Office Address (street, city, state, and ZIP code)

Bill to the home or office (check one)

Home and office telephone numbers

Once the application is complete, the employee must sign and date it. The
application must then be forwarded to the Bureau Coordinator, Mail Stop 270,
Reston, Virginia.

ATM privileges will be authorized automatically by the Agency/Organization
Coordinator. If employees do not wish to participate in the ATM program,
please indicate so on the application when applying for the Government Charge
Card.

Form 9-3008

Feb 1994

Department of the Interior

US Geological Survey

Advance Delinquency Certification

Attachment to SF-1038

PART A - To be completed by traveler

This advance of funds is for travel authorized by my (SPECIFY TYPE -
Area/Trip/Chg of Hdqs) travel authorization. I understand that my advance
account will become delinquent if the following conditions are not met:

Area Advance - A travel voucher must be submitted to OFM monthly. Vouchers
must be submitted to OFM within the first 5 working days of the month for all
travel of the preceding month. The amount of the outstanding advance(s) must
not exceed a 60 day requirement for travel funds.

Trip Advance - Trip advances must be liquidated within 30 days from the
ending date of travel. Travel vouchers (and personal check, if necessary)
must be submitted to OFM within 5 working days from the ending date of
travel, as required by the Federal Travel Regulations. This will allow for
mailing and processing time so the advance account will be cleared within 30
days.

Chg of Hdqs Advance - A voucher (and personal check, if necessary) for the
house-hunting portion of the change of headquarters must be submitted to OFM
within 5 working days from the ending date of the trip. A voucher (and
personal check, if necessary) for enroute travel and the temporary quarters
portion of the change of headquarters must be submitted within 5 working days
from the ending date of the first 30 days of temporary quarters. This will
allow for mailing and processing time so the advance account will be cleared
within 60 days from reporting to duty.

I certify that I have read and understand the above conditions, and I further
understand that if my travel advance account becomes delinquent, payroll
deductions will be initiated to offset the delinquent account.

SIGNATURE OF TRAVELER

PART B - To be completed by approving official

The amount of this advance is based on:

100 percent of the estimate of travel expenses. Employee will be
traveling in an area where American Express cards will not be accepted.
(CONUS/OCONUS)

100 percent of the estimate of travel expenses. Employee has not been
offered an American Express card.